WIMBLEDON fever is catching on in Cirencester with a series of free tennis sessions.

The weekly two-hour coaching sessions beginning at 10am this Saturday (June 22) at St Michael’s Park are run by Cirencester Town Council, Tennis Plus tennis academy and charity Tennis for Free (TFF) in an effort to encourage people to get involved with the sport.

Coach Ioan Evans said he and his team will be on hand every Saturday morning serving up free sessions and equipment for budding Andy Murrays and described the scheme as “fantastic”.

“We will be making tennis accessible for everyone from the age of two years old right up to senior tennis offering free weekly coach led sessions,” he said.

“I'm looking forward for the venue to become the focal point for the tennis community in Cirencester and will be delivering a modern tennis programme with something for everyone based at the park.”

Cirencester resident and the brains behind the scheme Philip Reynolds said he was looking forward to seeing people enjoying the facilities at the park.

“St Michael’s is the hidden gem of Cirencester which deserves to become a community hub for local families,” he said.

The national scheme was founded by comedian Tony Hawks and is backed by celebrities including Stephen Fry with funding from Sport England and the Lawn Tennis Association.

Cirencester’s mayor Cllr Joe Harris said he was fully behind the scheme.

“This programme is a great opportunity for the council to revitalise the use of the courts in St Michael’s Park and encourage a new generation of players to the game,” he said.

Cirencester Town Council is able to offer the courts for free thanks to funding from Cirencester Round Table and estate agent Cairn and Cullins.

To sign up for the sessions visit tennis-plus.co.uk

For information on court times and bookings at St Michael’s Park visit cirencester.gov.uk